Full Notification

DATE/TIME: April 2, 2024, 12:32 p.m.

INCIDENT: Assault with a Deadly Weapon
       Lethal Force Encounter

LOCATION: 17100 block of Forest Hills Drive, Victorville

SUSPECT(S): Aaron James, 17-year-old White Male, Resident of Hesperia

VICTIM(S): San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy

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UPDATE:  On April 4, 2024, the suspect was identified by the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Division as Aaron James, a 17-year-old resident of Hesperia. 

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SUMMARY: On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at approximately 12:32 p.m., deputies from the Victorville Station were requested to respond to a home in the 17100 block of Forest Hills Drive for an unwanted subject. A male subject, who based on preliminary information is believed to be 17-years-of-age, was at the house and refused to leave. 

Arriving deputies began communicating with the male, who had locked himself in a bathroom. After multiple attempts to deescalate the situation and have him exit, deputies entered the bathroom and attempted to apprehend the male. The male produced a knife, injuring one deputy, and a lethal force encounter occurred. The male was struck by gunfire. Deputies provided medical aid until emergency medical aid arrived. The male was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The injured deputy was treated at a hospital for his injury and later released.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Specialized Investigations Division has assumed the investigation. The name of the male will be released once identification has been positively made and next of kin has been notified. 
 
Body worn camera video and still photos can be viewed at the following link, https://we.tl/t-W9PGvEMdT9. 

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Ian Gosswiller, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.

Refer: Detective Ian Gosswiller or Sergeant Michael Warrick

Station: Specialized Investigations Division

Phone No. (909) 890-4904

Case No. DR#172403799 / H#2024-030

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department